Differentiation Strategies: why and how


When redesigning our units, we must think about:
  • What is the 'big idea' or concept for the unit that we want students to grapple with?
  • What skills and activities do we want our students to engage with?
  • What sequence of experiences will help students build knowledge, skills and increasing independence as learners?
  • What resources are available for to us that make learning more engaging and relevant for our students?

1. Gardiner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences

One theory to view differentiation is through Howard Gardner's theory of "multiple intelligences". Most teachers agree that students show potential in several of Gardner's categories, but it is a useful theory nevertheless to make sure we don't always use the same pedagogical strategies.


2. Bloom's Taxonomy for the Classroom

external image Stobaugh_BloomsTaxonomy.png

3. Bloom's Digital Taxonomy resources

CLICK HERE

View the presentations below to gain some ideas in practical differentiation ideas.



EXAMPLE OF YEAR 7 SHAKESPEARE UNIT - DIFFERENTIATED FOCUS QUESTIONS